Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I disagree with the Minister's analysis of the amendment. He is suggesting that by specifying medical support, appropriate specialist services, including psychological support services and alternative accommodation, we could be leaving out other services. However, that is not the intention and nor would it be the outcome of the amendment. It refers to "services providing for victims, including where relevant" so it does not exclude any other service. It states that we need to include, where relevant, the medical support and appropriate specialist services, including psychological support. The wording in Article 4.1(a) of the directive is, "where relevant, basic information about access to medical support, any specialist support, including psychological support and alternative accommodation". The wording of the amendment comes from the wording of the directive itself. The amendment does not exclude any other supports that could be available to the victim.